Pentagon awards Lockheed Martin M142 Himars contract for Canada

The Pentagon secured a billion-dollar m142 himars contract with Lockheed Martin this week, setting up production of 17 systems and related equipment for Canada and other allied countries. The online notice says the systems address their "urgent needs."

Canada’s Long-Range Plans

The notice lands after the U.S. State Department approved the possible sale last October. Ottawa has said it is looking to add long-range precision strike capability, and Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to hit Canada’s NATO defence spending target through plans that include new aircraft, armed vehicles and ammunition.

17 Systems by April 2028

American officials said in October that Canada asked to buy 26 of the systems and other items. The Pentagon notice now sets a smaller production figure at 17 systems for Canada and other allied countries, with completion expected by April 2028.

Lockheed Martin Contract Notice

The contract gives Canada a path toward receiving part of the package it sought while also serving other allied buyers named in the notice. For Canada, the practical question is not the approval itself but how much of the 26-system request will be filled by the 17-system production run.